In Light of Breaking The Idea Of Self

It's intriguing how mysterious a photographer can be behind the camera. All that they document shows a glimpse into the mind of an artist and what they see. A lot of photographers I run into love what they do. Taking images of people and things in all shapes and sizes. But are they comfortable being the subject in front of the camera too?

It's a different world when your the one being documented with a camera. In my opinion all photographers have to be comfortable with showing themselves when the moment arrives as well. Getting past the stage of "camera shy" has opened my perceptions on what can go on in the mind of a portrait client or subject. It allows me to understand how to connect with others more fully through first hand experience. That way, your posing or composition ideas have real world value that can be transferred to any subject in front of your lens.

“The shine comes from inside until others see the light”

Finding that creative voice through performing on stage helped me build a solid understanding of how to look good in front of people. Playing in a band and having the role of the front man for a number of years got me comfortable with all the eyes balls keenly aware of my presence. It took quite awhile to master my confidence to a certain level but like anything, the skills would have gone even further if I stuck with it. Letting go of the craft and moving on was a personal challenge but I knew it was something that I could never leave entirely and throw away. These learned skills needed to be applied in some way. 

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It's a trilling experience to get on stage and express all your raw emotions. All those eyes staring right back at you are like hundreds of human lenses taking mental pictures. A great place to venture out of the comfort zone.

Today the entertainer in me is more than happy to direct a crowd or help pose a model in a way where it comes from an experienced and authentic place. A lot of clients come to me as their first time getting their picture taken. Coming from that very same place in the past, I've felt the anxiety that comes with showing my face and breaking the personal image of myself.

So I took it upon myself to make them feel safe. To make them feel okay with who they are and how they can look. I'm right there with them. Literally beside them giving advice on putting your weight on this leg here and having your back straight here. I've done it myself and my goal with anyone who's uncomfortable with the experience is to know that I'm doing it along with you as well. Just as beautifully imperfect and goofy as we all are when we put our shields down and let loose off the fixation on our "image".

“Who you are can never be fully explained by anyone but yourself”

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Being a little goofy with yourself helps break the fixed ideas of the self image. Take a photo and don't care much about it. The picture is not really you. It's who you where at that given moment. Who you really are can never be fully explained.

A great way to start getting in front of the camera is to take self portraits. It's amazing how many ways the same face can be put into different lighting settings or locations and have a completely different outcome. Instead of having a model come in for my experimental sessions I like to have myself as the test subject and build something a lot more solid before trying it out with anyone else. That way I'll have a first run through firmly set in place of the look I'm trying to solidify. 

From doing so many self portraits I've discovered that it's not all about high mega pixels and lightning gear. It's the emotions captured in that moment in time. The element of acting is very present in portrait photography. Conjuring up a feeling and showing it on camera. All these nuances in understanding came from taking pictures of myself. Learning that the role of the photographer is to bring them out. Letting go of the ideas we have of ourselves is the best place to start.

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Convince yourself you can look great on camera even if you don't think your "photogenic". Take up the challenge and prove your mind otherwise. Everyone can look good on camera if your willing to think beyond physical appearances.

Once you've gone passed you own insecurities of self image then a session will be less about you, less about them but more about the collaboration. Use yourself as a model when testing new ideas and share it with others too. Showing that we're okay with taking our own pictures instills confidence in others to see that person behind the lens is just like us.

When you get to understand the basic techniques and feelings of being in front of the camera you'll be able to relate much more authentically with your clients. Giving the space for others to open up requires a great deal of trust especially if your meeting for the first time. Be there with them and show that you're okay with the uneasiness of being in front of the camera and you'll break the ice faster than any director giving out orders.

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Keep Snappin'!

Chris From MKMI Photo